Tips for Preparing and Cooking Turkey Safely This Thanksgiving

Top Food Safety Rules for a Safe Thanksgiving Meal

Thanksgiving festivities often revolve around a long-awaited holiday meal, but with the rush of preparing multiple dishes, food safety can easily slip through the cracks. A few simple precautions can help ensure your celebration remains both delicious and safe.

Preparation

Start with good habits before you even begin cooking. Be mindful with perishable foods such as meat, poultry, and dairy, refrigerate or freeze them as soon as you get home. Store raw poultry and meat away from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Before handling ingredients, wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Sanitize countertops, utensils, and cutting boards that come into contact with raw items.

Do not rinse your turkey, as doing so can spread bacteria across your sink and kitchen surfaces.

Thawing the Turkey

Thawing safely is essential. The refrigerator method is best: allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey, placing it in a tray to catch any drips. If you’re pressed for time, submerge the turkey in cold water, replacing the water every 30 minutes.

Figure about 30 minutes of thawing per pound. Never thaw your turkey on the counter where bacteria multiply quickly between 40° and 140°F.

Cooking and Serving

When cooking, rely on a food thermometer. The turkey must reach 165°F in its thickest portions. Stuffing cooked inside the bird should also reach 165°F. Keep hot dishes at or above 140°F and cold foods below 40°F and avoid leaving food out for over two hours.

Leftovers

Store leftovers promptly in shallow containers and enjoy them within four days. Reheat all foods to 165°F and refrigerate cream-based desserts promptly to prevent spoilage.

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